FACTS ABOUT... ABORIGINAL PEOPLE IN ALBERTA “Aboriginal” is a collective name for the original people of North America and their descendants. There are three constitutionally recognized groups of Aboriginal people, each with unique histories, languages and cultural practices: First Nations (Indians), Metis, and Inuit.
▶ With 220,700 Albertans self-identifying as Aboriginal, Alberta is home to the third largest Aboriginal population in Canada.
▶ The median age of Alberta’s Aboriginal population is 25 years.
▶ Edmonton is home to 61,765 Aboriginal people, and Calgary is home to 33,375.
▶ There are 48 First Nations and 140 reserves in Alberta, covering three Treaty areas: Treaty 6 (central), Treaty 7 (south), and Treaty 8 (north). First Nations
▶ 118,164 First Nations people live in Alberta, representing 14 per cent of all First Nations people in Canada. Metis
▶ Alberta has the only recognized Metis land base in Canada: the eight Metis Settlements (pop. 4,858).
▶ Alberta is home to 96,865 Metis people, the largest Metis population in Canada. Inuit
▶ There are 1,985 Inuit people living in Alberta.
▶ Most Inuit people who choose to leave Canada’s arctic move to urban centres like Edmonton.
Sources: Statistics Canada, 2011 National Household Survey: Aboriginal Peoples in Canada: First Nations People, Métis and Inuit; Government of Alberta, 2012 Municipal Affairs Population List, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, Indian Register, December 2013
To learn more, check out Aboriginal Peoples of Alberta: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow, a provincial publication available at aboriginal.alberta.ca.
July 2014 ALBERTA ABORIGINAL RELATIONS
▶ Works with Alberta’s Aboriginal communities, other provincial government departments, the federal government, industry, and other stakeholders to promote social and economic opportunities to enhance the quality of life of Aboriginal people.
▶ Coordinates initiatives on Aboriginal consultation when provincial land management and resource development decisions may affect the constitutional rights of Aboriginal people.
▶ Supports strategies to improve social and economic outcomes for Aboriginal women.
▶ Works with other provincial ministries and stakeholders to increase Aboriginal participation in Alberta’s workforce and economy.
▶ Works with other levels of government and organizations to address the needs of urban Aboriginal people in Alberta.
▶ Coordinates the First Nations Development Fund supporting First Nations economic, social, and community development projects.
Additional information: • Guide to Aboriginal organizations and services • Interactive map • Leading the Way: Aboriginal People Today stories Go to aboriginal.alberta.ca
July 2014